1230
NEW BOOKS
lation of the important concepts of wave mechanics. These results are used throughout the volume wherever needed. The six chapters cover the usual material: hydrogen spectra; Bohr theory of the atom; energy diagrams; wave mechanics; alkali, helium, and alkaline-earth spectra; multiplet structure of line spectra and electron spin; Zeeman and Stark effects; Pauli principle and periodic system of the elements; intensities of spectrum lines; types of coupling; hyperfine structure; isotope effect and nuclear spin; magnetic susceptibility and chemical considerations. The book is a valuable addition to the existing literature on the subject. GEO.GLOCKLER.
Absorption Spectroscopy in fhe Cltra-violet. By F. ELLINGER. Reprint from Tabulae Biologicae, Vol. X I I . 52 pp.; 188 fig. Den Haag: Verlag Dr. W.Junk, 1937. This pamphlet consists of a collection of absorption curves of biologically import a n t substances: proteins, carbohydrates, fats and related compounds. Biochemists should find i t useful in their viork. GEO. GLOCKLER.
+
La Fluore.scence en Biochiniie. By CH. D ~ f i ~ k 25 , . x 16 cm.; xii 318 pp.; 27 plates. Paris: Les Presses Universitaires de France, 1937. Price: 80 francs. The author of this volume is well knoTm as a n authority both on the study of fluorescence phenomena and on certain branches of biochemistry, and in producing this exhaustive compilation he has performed a notable service to both branches of knodedge. His firm belief in the spectroscopic method of approach is reflected in the book, which is concerned mainly with this point of view to the exclusion of the more familiar visual technique commonly referred to as fluorescence analysis. It also explains certain omissions (for example, of that most valuable aid t o the study of fluorescence in biochemistry, the fluorescence microscope), and as a consequence, makes the title a little misleading. The book deals firstly n ith experimental methods, and then systematically and thoroughly with the results obtained TT ith various classes of substances of biochemical interest (including sugars, fats, proteins, alkaloids, plant substances, porphyrins, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, organisms and biochemical fluids such as sera, blood, etc.). I t concludes with a n appendix of fifty-six typical spectrograms. The book is t o be recommended strongly to physical chemists in general, as well as to the specialists in biochemistry for whom, doubtless, i t is principally intended. JULIUS GRAXT. Kolloidchemische Grundlagen der Textzlveredlung. By DR. EJlhfERICH V A L K ~ 701 . pp.; 346 fig. Berlin: Julius Springer, 1937. Price: unbound, 57 R l I ; bound, 60
RLI. During the years which have elapsed since the World War, the attention given to textile materials and processes by research workers throughout the world has resulted i n the accumulation of sufficient knodedge for textile technology to take its place as a branch of applied science. Hitherto, such knowledge was to be found only in original papers in the scientific and technical journals, and Dr. Valk6’s book, which provides a n admirable summary of the striking advances which have been made, will therefore be especially welcome. Although its price is unduly high, the book will undoubtedly come to be regarded as the standard reference book for students and research workers in textile technology, color chemistry, and dyeing. Commencing with a n account of the chemical constitution, morphology, histology, and crystal structure of the various textile fibers, the author then discusses .rvater adsorption in great detail, paying particular attention to cotton and wool. There-
1231
NETT BOOKS
after, in various chapters, cotton receives detailed consideration as regards surface potential phenomena, the recognition and measurement of damage, and mercerixation. No less exhaustive is the treatment given t o the animal fibers: after discussing the behavior of wool and silk as amphoteric colloids, separate chapters are devoted to a n examination of the influence of disulfide bond reactivity on the properties and processing of ~ o oand l to the scientific aspects of felting and milling. With the preceding information as basis, the colloid chemistry of dyes and dyeing processes and the behavior of dyes on the fiber are discussed in three excellent chapters, in which the author makes use of his specialized knowledge. Finally, there are three chapters devoted to the colloid chemistry of soaps, detergents, wetting agents, and sizing materials. The book is beautifully produced, is well illustrated, and has an excellent bibliography a t the end of each chapter. Dr. Talk6 is to be congratulated on this important contribution t o the advancement of the science of textile materials and processes. J. B. SPEAKMAS.
Principles oj” Chemical Engineering. By W.H. WALKER, W. K. LEWIS,W.H. IIcADAbfs, A N D E. K. GILLIIAKD. 23.3 x 16 cm.; ix 749 pp. 3rd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1937. Price: $5.50. The third edition of this book has been considerably revised and much of i t rewritten. Many changes have been made in the chapters on flow of fluids, floiv of heat, and those having t o do with diffusional processes, including the ne1vt.r theoretical developments and data and fundamental constants. All of the material is treated from the quantitative or matheniatical standpoint, a s was done in the previous editions. Though the presentation of material is usually clear, the treatment may cause some difficulties for students beginning the subject of the chemical engineering unit operations. I t is to be noted that a fourth author has been added to the group writing earlier editions. This is one of the excellent standard texts on chemical engineering principles. CHARLES A. IIAXX.
+
Numerical Data on Radioacticity . &VuclearPhysics. Transmutations. Xeutrons. Positrons. By I. JOLIOT-CURIE, B. GRINBERG, R. J. WALEN. Excerpt from Annual Tables of Constants. 57 pp. Paris: Gauthier-Villars, 1931-36. This represents the d a t a in the field of radioactivity and nuclear physics published during the period 1931 t o 1936. S a t u r a l l y most of the space is devoted t o the new 1 to 30, nuclear transmutations and to artificial radioactivity. Of the elements XOS. only helium has not been transmuted, and only hydrogen, helium, beryllium, and chromium have not been shown to have artificial radioactive isotopes, though those for nickel and cobalt have not been positively identified. From S o . 31 t o S o . 92 only nine elements of the non-radioactive elements have not been transmuted or made radioactive. I n addition, new artificially radioactive isotopes have been produced from thorium and uranium. S. C. LIND.
